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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Hilo, Hawaii » Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center » Tropical Crop and Commodity Protection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #400170
Research Project: Postharvest Protection of Tropical Commodities for Improved Market Access and Quarantine Security

Location: Tropical Crop and Commodity Protection Research

Title: Effect of controlled-release gaseous antimicrobial agents on the preservation of fresh produce

Author
item Sun, Xiuxiu
item SHU, CHANG - Orise Fellow
item Bai, Jinhe

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/25/2024
Publication Date: 9/10/2024
Citation: Sun, X., Shu, C., and Bai, J. 2024. Effect of controlled release gaseous antimicrobial agents on the preservation of fresh produce. In: Benkeblia, N., editor. Recent advances in postharvest technologies Volume 1: Advanced and novel technologies. Springer Nature: Switzerland. p. 127-150.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-65812-9_5

Interpretive Summary: Gaseous antimicrobial agents (e.g. essential oils, chlorine dioxide, and sulfur dioxide) are effective tools for the postharvest preservation of fresh fruit and vegetables. Various methods for the stabilization and controlled release of these types of agents have been developed to improve their ability to maintain the quality and improve the safety of fresh produce. This chapter reviews the functions of gaseous antimicrobial agents, methods for their stabilization, strategies for their controlled release, and applications for their use in the preservation of fresh produce.

Technical Abstract: Gaseous antimicrobial agents have significant advantages, such as delivering the active agents without water which is associated with cross-contamination, mixing easily with the package atmosphere, dispersing rapidly, and having the capability to diffuse into product surfaces and films. Many of them are low or no residue and environment friendly, and can be applied throughout storage, transportation, and marketing. Unfortunately, the industrial application of these compounds is constrained by their chemical instability, elevated vapor pressure, and the ease with which they oxidize, particular with respect to their application in active packaging. Numerous methods for the control and stabilization of gaseous and volatile active compounds have been developed, including triggered release systems involving precursor compounds and encapsulation, so permitting their safe and effective use in active packaging applications. In this chapter, technologies for the encapsulation of antimicrobial agents (e.g., chlorine dioxide, essential oils, ethanol, nitric oxide, sulfur dioxide) into different films, coatings, nanoemulsions, and solid matrices are reviewed. Prospective applications of these controlled release systems for use as active packaging of fresh produce are also presented.